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Setting is a useful narrative tool used by writers. It assists in developing a character’s profile, presenting values and attitudes and generally develops the plot. Some authors rely on setting more so than others, depending on how strong they wish their values and attitudes to emerge. Dean Koontz, the author of Sole Survivor, relies on setting strongly. Koontz uses the narrative tool two ways, firstly as a physical dimension and secondly as a cultural dimension. An example of the physical is the way he establishes Joe’s moods and emotions and culturally the way he portrays his values and attitudes. Two of the most important settings related to individuals are Joe’s apartment and the laboratory. This is where the readers develop their views towards Project Ninety-nine and Teknologik, while society’s negative image is portrayed through the settings of the beach and the toilet. Joe’s apartment resembles his emotions and outlook on life; by the way Koontz uses descriptive language. Koontz describes Joe’s apartment in great detail, as it assists in the readers understanding of Joe’s living arrangements and the ‘real’ Joe. The quote from the opening sentence reads “… Joe Carpenter woke, clutching a pillow to h